Network meetings

In order to understand what is happening in crisis and other challenging situations, it sometimes makes sense to work not only with individuals, but directly with the entire relational network where a person belongs. For this purpose, so‑called network meetings are organized in some forms of mental health care. In addition to the person in crisis, their close ones can also take part. This is usually a partner, parents or siblings. However, a partnership or family relationship is by no means a requirement; it is possible to invite any potentially supportive person.

Although it may seem that one specific person is going through the crisis, the social network perspective assumes that a demanding situation always affects other people as well. These may be close people who are simply worried, or whose lives are in some practical way affected by the fact that someone close to them is having difficult times. It is assumed that psychological difficulties of one person are reflected in, and sometimes directly played out within, relationships with others (including relationships with beings other than human). At the same time, these relationships can be a key source of mutual support, provided that everyone involved understands what is happening and how they can be helpful.

At a network meeting, the conversation therefore begins with the question what led whom to seek professional help. Usually, there are worries — whether about oneself, a close person, a partnership, or other important relationships. A network meeting offers space to explore how each person understands current complex situation. Crisis situations are usually confusing, full of tension and emotions. It may feel as if someone close is suddenly behaving in a completely incomprehensible way, which can even be frightening. A network meeting helps everyone involved to orient themselves in such a confusing situation. It then offers space to look for ways to cope with this unclear situation together.

A network meeting usually includes joint planning of steps leading to managing and resolving the situation. The plans may concern all participants. It may also become clear that it is necessary to invite someone else from the supportive social network or to involve/contact other professionals (a psychiatric outpatient clinic, addiction services, a school, etc., depending on the situation). At the end of the meeting, there is always an agreement on when, how, and in whose presence the next meeting will take place.

A network meeting is usually co-facilitated by a pair of therapists. For this reason, this way of working is used primarily in settings where care is covered by health insurance or provided, for example, as part of a social service. In a private context, the situation is more complicated — sometimes it takes longer to find a suitable time with a co-facilitator, and the increased costs of the whole process fall directly on clients and the supportive networks. In providing network meetings I cooperate with the following colleagues: Lucia Ukropová, Eva Batůšková, Lucie Kovaříková, Edita Henzl, Jindřich Jašík, and Jan Horváth.

If this format of therapeutic work seems interesting and appears more suitable for the situation that is causing difficulties than individual psychotherapy, please mention this during our first contact.